Dr. Cole addresses osteoporosis in Memphis, a condition where bones weaken and become more likely to break. Care centers on bone-health measures, fall prevention, and coordination with your primary or bone-health physician. Dr. Cole also treats the fractures that osteoporosis can cause.

Bone-density testing, called a DXA scan, to measure and monitor bone strength. Bone-density testing, called a DXA scan, to measure and monitor bone strength.
Adequate calcium and vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise as advised. Adequate calcium and vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise as advised.
Fall-prevention steps at home to lower fracture risk. Fall-prevention steps at home to lower fracture risk.
Review of medicines and health conditions that affect bone. Review of medicines and health conditions that affect bone.
Prescription bone medicines, managed with your primary or bone-health physician, when test. Prescription bone medicines, managed with your primary or bone-health physician, when testing shows they are appropriate.
Prompt orthopedic care if a fracture occurs. Prompt orthopedic care if a fracture occurs.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bone becomes less dense and more fragile, so it breaks more easily.

It often has no symptoms until a fracture happens. It is more common with age and after menopause, and certain medicines and health conditions raise the risk. The bones of the hip, spine, and wrist are common sites of fragility fractures, which occur from a minor fall or even normal loads. Osteoporosis is measurable and manageable. Identifying it early, before a fracture, allows steps that reduce the chance of a break.

How is Osteoporosis diagnosed, and what does the visit involve?

Osteoporosis is diagnosed with a bone-density scan, a DXA test that measures how strong the bones are, often reported as a T-score.

It may be found after a fragility fracture prompts testing. Dr. Cole coordinates with your primary or bone-health physician so that testing and medicine are managed together.

What is recovery like for Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a long-term condition managed over years.

The aim is to keep bone as strong as possible and to prevent fractures. When a fracture does happen, it is treated on its own terms, and the underlying bone health is addressed to lower the chance of the next one. Progress is tracked with repeat bone-density testing over time.

Who treats osteoporosis in Memphis?

Jeff Cole is a orthopedic surgeon who treats osteoporosis in Memphis, TN. Fellowship trained at Washington University / Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Dr. Cole sees patients at the practice in Memphis; appointments can be requested through this site.

Common questions

Does osteoporosis have symptoms?

Often not, until a bone breaks. That is why bone-density testing matters, especially for older adults and those with risk factors.

Who should be tested for osteoporosis?

Testing is commonly advised for older adults, women after menopause, and people with risk factors such as certain medicines or a prior fragility fracture. Your physician can advise on timing.

Can osteoporosis be treated?

Yes. Bone-health measures, fall prevention, and, when appropriate, prescription medicines managed with your physician can strengthen bone and lower fracture risk.

What is a fragility fracture?

It is a break that happens from a minor fall or normal load, which signals weaker bone. It often prompts bone-density testing to check for osteoporosis.

Educational information only. This page does not replace an examination or medical advice.

Reviewed by Jeff Cole

Orthopedics

Fellowship trained at Washington University / Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Sees patients in Memphis.

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Reviewed by the physician